Welcome to WATS — Your Path to Mastery in Structural Analysis

WATS (Weekly Asynchronous Tutorial Series) is a structured, problem-solving–focused learning experience designed for engineering students. Each WATS module targets a single topic in structural analysis and consists of 8 weekly sessions, each designed for flexible, self-paced learning.

Whether you're reviewing core principles or building practical problem-solving skills, WATS helps you learn through real student questions, worked examples, and instructor-guided tutorials.

The WATS modules complement the material covered in our Structural Analysis I course by offering additional practice and guided problem-solving.


Static Equilibrium in Beams  – WATS Overview

This WATS module focuses on applying the equilibrium equations to analyze statically determinate beams. You’ll strengthen your ability to calculate support reactions, construct clear free-body diagrams, and interpret loading scenarios with precision and insight.

Registration Opens: Monday, September 8, 2025
First Session Available: Monday, October 13, 2025
Final Session Available: Monday, December 1, 2025

Certificate:
Upon successful completion of the 8 sessions and exercises, students receive a
Certificate of Completion in Static Equilibrium in Beams (WATS Series)


Who This WATS Is For?

This WATS module is designed for students who are already enrolled in our Structural Analysis I course or a similar course elsewhere. It is ideal for learners who want to practice and improve their ability to formulate and solve static equilibrium equations for determining support reactions in beams in a guided, problem-solving–oriented environment.

If you're seeking structured reinforcement, step-by-step walkthroughs, and instructor-led clarification of challenging concepts, this module will help you apply what you've learned with confidence.


What to Expect in Each WATS Module

Each weekly session includes:

  1. Answers to Student Questions
     – Submitted after the previous session
     – Curated and answered by the instructor

  2. Homework Walkthroughs
     – Step-by-step solutions to the assigned problems
     – Focus on method, reasoning, and common errors

  3. Clarify and Apply
     – Revisiting challenging concepts from our structural analysis course
     – Focused walkthroughs that help you put ideas into practice

After watching each session, you’ll complete a set of exercises and submit your solutions for personalized feedback. You may also submit questions. Selected questions and common challenges will be addressed in the next session to support whole-group learning. This structure gives you space to work at your own pace while steadily building confidence.

Why Choose WATS?

  • Asynchronous Access
     Learn anytime, anywhere—ideal for international students or busy schedules.

  • Targeted Learning
     One topic per series. Each session builds your understanding logically and incrementally.

  • Interactive Format
     Submit questions after each session and see them addressed in future sessions.

  • Certification Included
    Earn a certificate specific to each completed WATS module.


Enrollment & Fee

Registration Fee: $12 (Non-Refundable)
A flat registration fee of $12 USD is required to enroll in each WATS module. This fee helps support system maintenance and the preparation of tutorial materials. It is non-refundable, so we encourage you to register only if you're confident in your participation.

Access Period

Access Ends: Monday, December 29, 2025
Access to this WATS module will remain available for 28 days after the final session is released, giving you time to revisit the material and consolidate your learning at your own pace. This extended access is provided to support review and reflection as you wrap up the series.

Static Equilibrium in Beams – WATS Outline

  • 1

    Week 1

    • Section 1: Static Equilibrium in Context – Inactive vs. Active Systems

    • Section 2: Support Types and Reaction Forces (Example-Driven)

    • Section 3: Coordinate Systems and Sign Convention – A Flexible Tool

    • Section 4: Drawing Free-Body Diagrams (FBDs)

    • Section 5: Equilibrium Equations and Determinacy

    • Section 6: Writing and Solving Basic Equilibrium Equations

    • Section 7: Homework Assignment – Practice and Challenge Problems

    • Section 8: Submit a Question

  • 2

    Week 2

    • Section 1A: Review and Student Questions from Week 1

    • Section 1B: Solutions to Week 1 Exercise Problems

    • Section 2: Strategic Use of Equilibrium Equations

    • Section 3: Problem 1 – Simply Supported Beam with Overhangs on Both Ends

    • Section 4: Problem 2 – Cantilever Beam with Three Point Loads

    • Section 5: Problem 3 – Cantilever Beam with a Concentrated Moment

    • Section 6: Common Errors and Misconceptions

    • Section 7: Homework Assignment – Practice and Challenge Problems

    • Section 8: Submit a Question

  • 3

    Week 3

    • Section 1A: Review and Student Questions from Week 2

    • Section 1B: Solutions to Week 2 Exercise Problems

    • Section 2: Using All Three Equilibrium Equations

    • Section 3: Problem 1 – Simply Supported Beam with an Inclined Point Load

    • Section 4: Problem 2 – Simply Supported Beam with Two Point Loads and an Applied Moment

    • Section 5: Problem 3 – Cantilever Beam with Vertical Extension and Horizontal Load

    • Section 6: Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

    • Section 7: Homework Assignment – Practice and Challenge Problems

    • Section 8: Submit a Question

  • 4

    Week 4

    • Section 1A: Review and Student Questions from Week 3

    • Section 1B: Solutions to Week 3 Exercise Problems

    • Section 2: Force Decomposition and Reaction Direction Review

    • Section 3: Problem 1 – Inclined Beam with Pin and Roller, Load Perpendicular to Beam

    • Section 4: Problem 2 – Inclined Beam with Vertical Load

    • Section 5: Problem 3 – Horizontal Beam with Inclined Roller Support

    • Section 6: Problem 4 – Inclined Cantilever Beam with Horizontal Load at Extension

    • Section 7: Homework Assignment – Inclined Beam and Support Problems

    • Section 8: Submit a Question

  • 5

    Week 5

    • Section 1A: Review and Questions from Week 4

    • Section 1B: Solutions to Week 4 Exercise Problems

    • Section 2: Concept Introduction – What is a Distributed Load?

    • Section 3: Problem 1 – Beam with a Full-Span Uniformly Distributed Load

    • Section 4: Problem 2 – Beam with a Partially Distributed Load

    • Section 5: Problem 3 – Beam with UDL and a Point Load

    • Section 6: Problem 4 – Beam with Symmetric UDL and External Moment

    • Section 7: Common Errors and Misconceptions

    • Section 8: Homework Assignment – Practice and Challenge Problems

    • Section 9: Submit a Question

  • 6

    Week 6

    • Section 1A: Review and Student Questions from Week 5

    • Section 1B: Solutions to Week 5 Exercise Problems

    • Section 2: Concept Introduction – Triangular Loads as Linearly Varying Distributed Loads

    • Section 3: Problem 1 – Right Triangular Load Over Half the Beam

    • Section 4: Problem 2 – Two Triangular Loads with Overhang

    • Section 5: Problem 3 – Non-Isosceles Triangular Load

    • Section 6: Common Mistakes and Conceptual Traps

    • Section 7: Homework Assignment – Practice and Challenge Problems

    • Section 8: Submit a Question

  • 7

    Week 7

    • Section 1A: Review and Student Questions from Week 6

    • Section 1B: Solutions to Week 5 Exercise Problems

    • Section 2: Concept Introduction – Understanding Trapezoidal Loads

    • Section 3: Problem 1 – Full-Span Trapezoidal Load

    • Section 4: Problem 2 – Partial Span Trapezoidal Load (Rising to Flat)

    • Section 5: Problem 3 – Two Separated Trapezoidal Loads

    • Section 6: Common Errors and Misconceptions

    • Section 7: Homework Assignment – Practice and Challenge Problems

    • Section 8: Submit a Question

  • 8

    Week 8

    • Section 1A: Review and Student Questions from Week 7

    • Section 1B: Solutions to Week 5 Exercise Problems

    • Section 2: Reflecting on the Journey

    • Section 3: Strategic Review of Common Pitfalls

    • Section 4: Problem 1 – Mixed Load on Simply Supported Beam

    • Section 5: Problem 2 – Cantilever Beam with Trapezoidal Load and Moment

    • Section 6: Problem 3 – Beam with Overhang and Combination of Triangular Loads

    • Section 7: Homework Submission and Personal Assessment

    • Section 8: Closing Reflection and Forward Look

    • Section 9: Final Question Submission Opportunity

  • 9

    Week 9: Claim Certificate

    • Claim Certificate